Life of an Older College Student...AKA

[LoraJ]

ksumn, I understand what you are going through with math. I have always been math impaired and I was freaked out having to take math 16 years after I'd done it the last time. I had never taken Calc and I was also terrified of taking the GRE last month (also with lots of math).
I took my time, took the lowest level math class I could, and I was fine. I actually got an A- in math, and got a 490 on the math portion of the GRE. It wasn't spectacular but I did much better than I thought. So have faith in yourself

I am actually really excited about my upcoming algebra class. I failed algebra in 9th grade, got a B when I took it over, but then got a D in Algebra 2. I want to tackle it this time and am determined to do good inthe class. I've been brushing up with tutorials on yourteacher.com which have been really helpful.

 

[ksumn1]

Funny thing about math.....I failed Algebra ! in high school 1st time around. I worked nights at a fast food jint and didn't get home until 2 am during the week and had to be up at 6:00 for school. I had a teacher with the most monotone voice in the world (like the teacher off the Wonder years that now does the voiceovers on the Visene commercials) AND I sat in the back of the room right next to the warm air vent. I slep my way through the 1st 9 weeks and failed with a 49. I had always been a straight A student. Swapped to a new teacher and passed the 2nd 9 weeks with an 85. Algebra II passed with straight A's, Geometry and even Trig with a straight A.

So I was really suprised when I just couldn't seem to grasp it this time when studying. I've heard great things about the professeor that teaches remedial math so I'm sure I;ll be fine. My brain may explode at some point but I'll get it eventually. I'll take a look at the website LoraJ suggested as weel.

Really intereseting to hear how varied everyone's career goals and life experience are. And (tounge in cheek) I seem to be one of the younger in this bunch!!

 

[Cindy B]

My DH just finished his associates degree! He did it in ONE YEAR! He accomplished this by taking 4,6, and 8 week classes all in a one year span. He took usually 2-3 classes a semester and sometimes overlapping short semesters.

Mind you during this past year, his job hours increased to 50-60 per week and his father also passed away this year.

He started with only 6 transfer credits (two classes from the 80's) and completed the other 58 credits in one year. I still can't believe he did 58 credits in one year, but he did!

I'm finishing my one bachelors degree on Friday. I completed one back in May but I needed to complete student teaching in order to earn the other bachelors. It was the student teaching experience from hell--which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

 

[LoraJ]

Congratulations on finishing Cindy!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Yay, Cindy! You've been an inspiration to me. Knowing that others have gone back and survived helped me to realize that I could do it, too.

 

[Cindy B]

I am actually really excited about my upcoming algebra class. I failed algebra in 9th grade, got a B when I took it over, but then got a D in Algebra 2. I want to tackle it this time and am determined to do good inthe class. I've been brushing up with tutorials on yourteacher.com which have been really helpful.

I stunk at math too. I had to pass two fairly rigourous math Praxis tests in order to continue my teaching coursework.

Don't laugh, but the GED study books were very helpful for me. Yes, I passed high school but the GED books were very slow paced which is what I needed. The GED books also had all the building blocks for algebra which really helped me as well.

I also would recommend a book "Algebra Demystified". Yes, stupid title, but it goes over things step by step.

 

[LoraJ]

I stunk at math too. I had to pass two fairly rigourous math Praxis tests in order to continue my teaching coursework.

Don't laugh, but the GED study books were very helpful for me. Yes, I passed high school but the GED books were very slow paced which is what I needed. The GED books also had all the building blocks for algebra which really helped me as well.

I also would recommend a book "Algebra Demystified". Yes, stupid title, but it goes over things step by step.

I just looked the book up at Barne's & Noble and it is in stock at the local one. I may pick it up this weekend when I stop there to get a gift. I'll take anything that can help me. Although, I am thinking my class may be at a slower pace because the description says it helps with math anxiety.

My class doesn't start until January 12th so that book should help me brush up on whatever I have forgotten. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I FINALLY got all my grades in and I got all A's! Yeah, I only ended up taking 3 classes (9 credit hours), but considering everything that's been going on in my life that adds stress, and the depression, which is a tough battle to fight, and that I'd been out of the studying habit for so long I'm overjoyed!

I start back on January 26th. I'm probably taking 9 credit hours again, unless I decide to take one additional class. It feels great to have this break from school, but I am excited to start again. I've missed all my school buddies, even though many are young enough to be my child.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Yeah, go back Garbanzo!

I'm a social work major. LOVE going to class and participating. I'm so much more vocal now that when I first went to college. And I have a helluva lot of fun!

A good social worker is worth their weight in gold.

Best of luck.

 

[LoraJ]

Congrats on the A's.


I also got A's in my classes.

I got that Algebra Demystified book and have enjoyed it so far. I have my text and it explains everything pretty well, so hopefully I will be okay.

I start again on Monday and have been antsy to get back to the books.

 

[Princessbaby]

I don't know how I missed this thread at the beginning!! I have always been a non-traditional student! I went college right after HS but never could find a major I fit in. So, I left and didn't go back until I was 27- married and 2 kids at the time ( I now have 3). I received my nursing degree. But, I did not always want to be a floor nurse, and this area I live in is pushing bachelor degrees in nursing, I took the plunge and went back to pursue my BSN online- I will be done Dec 2009! YAY!!! Only 2 semesters left . But, this semester will be a hard one- 5 classes- yes I am in for punishment, but I took 5 classes last semester and I finished with a 3.4.
So, good luck to all those starting a new semester soon!

 

[Cindy B]

Congrats on the A's.


I also got A's in my classes.

I got that Algebra Demystified book and have enjoyed it so far. I have my text and it explains everything pretty well, so hopefully I will be okay.

I start again on Monday and have been antsy to get back to the books.

Good for you on your A's. I got all A's too! One of my courses was a 10 credit class (student teaching), so that 10 credit A was worth it!

I haven't got my degree in the mail yet, but I looked on my transcript and the degree was awarded on the December 30th.

I am registered for four classes (post Bac special ed courses). If I don't find a job by the 20th, I will be back in school.

 

[Cindy B]

I don't know how I missed this thread at the beginning!! I have always been a non-traditional student! I went college right after HS but never could find a major I fit in. So, I left and didn't go back until I was 27- married and 2 kids at the time ( I now have 3). I received my nursing degree. But, I did not always want to be a floor nurse, and this area I live in is pushing bachelor degrees in nursing, I took the plunge and went back to pursue my BSN online- I will be done Dec 2009! YAY!!! Only 2 semesters left . But, this semester will be a hard one- 5 classes- yes I am in for punishment, but I took 5 classes last semester and I finished with a 3.4.
So, good luck to all those starting a new semester soon!

5 isn't too bad actually. I did it with two kids and working. Don't do 7. 7 was my limit!

 

[december]

I'm just taking one class every 8 week term during the schoolyear-all I can do right now! My class starts Monday, but we got our syllubus yesterday. OMG-this one is going to be alot of work. It is a masters level special education class. I'm working on my masters in Counseling-since i didn't have any special ed classes in my transcripts (math degree, business minor, alternate route teacher) I had to take one. I made As in my 1st 4 classes, so I'm hoping to keep it up. Next term (Mar-May) I'm signed up for 2 classes, but one is my 300 hour practicum. I actually have one calendar year to complete it. I'm hoping to finish up the other class the week before the baby is born (due the last week of work this school year), and start my 2 summer classes 2 weeks after the baby is born! That will leave me 3 classes, finishing my practicum, and passing the Praxis before I can be a counselor.

 

[Princessbaby]

5 isn't too bad actually. I did it with two kids and working. Don't do 7. 7 was my limit!

Thank you! I didn't think so either but all I get from people is
When you want something bad enough, you'll do what you can to get it!

 

[december]

5 isn't too bad actually. I did it with two kids and working. Don't do 7. 7 was my limit!

When is your interview? I remember you mentioning it in another thread.

 

[Cindy B]

When is your interview? I remember you mentioning it in another thread.

tomorrow!!!!

 

[december]

Good luck! There is such a teacher shortage here-you can always move to MS!

 

[BoardWalkBelle]

I am also a non traditional college student. I started at the local community college two years ago with the intention of earning an elementary teaching degree. Well, a year into school in had failed beginning algebra three times , just cannot comprehend how to do an equation to save my life. If i cant pass beginning algebra no way i can do inremediate, college algebra and statist that i need to transfer to a univ. for a B.S degree so after much crying i decided to just go for a AAS degree in hospitality management. My school waived the algebra requirement for this degree since i am too stupid (kidding) to undersatnd it. Maybe one day i will go back and attemp it but for now i need something so i can get a job. I am currently a pt CM at WDW and hoping with thos hopsitality management degree to move into something ft at one of the disney resorts. If not at disney, i will go where ever i can get a job.

 

[ksumn1]

Registered for Spring Quarter classes today. I knew going in that I probably wouldn't get a full courseload since I can't go M,W,F and many classes were full. I ended up with all the classes I wanted....T/Th PolyScience, Math 097 and English 1110. classes form 8 am until 3:15 pm with a 3 hour break between my 2nd and 3rd class. Gives me time to do work for my 1st 2 classes, eat and use the workout facility. I'm trying to lose weight so I was actually glad to have such a long break. I'm definately attending Summer quarter too so I can make up the credit hours I missed this quarter then.

I was sooo nervous that I took notes during orientation just to have something to do with my hands!! I looked like a total dork I'm sure.

On the down side, I forgot my new Tinkerbell jacket my DD"s gave me for Christmas in the Orientation room and didn't realize it until I walked all the way across campus to the Learning Support building to register. I went back but it was gone. I checked with the help desk person called lost and found and even the registrar's office to see if one of them had picked it up but no luck. I'm crossing my fingers that somebody picked it up and just didn't know where to return it/have time to return it then (due to the tight schedule) and that it will turn up later in the week. I feel horrible.


Good luck to us all and wishing us y'all pixie dust and all A's!!!